Clean restrooms equal happy customers

by Julie Sturgeon — independent journalist, CEOEditor, Inc.

Your restrooms matter to customers, and, yes, they require constant attention. But at least the process isn't rocket science.

Intura Solutions inks agreement with Merchant Services Network

August 22, 2006

ARLINGTON, Texas — POS and management software supplier Intura Solutions LP announced the signing of a co-marketing agreement with Merchant Services Network…

Donatos Pizza opens new concept store in Indianapolis

August 22, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Donatos Pizza opened its newest Indianapolis location Aug. 22, a store design representing a completely new look for the company.   According…

Qdoba Mexican Grill partners with Mo. Humane Society

August 22, 2006

DENVER — During September Qdoba will raise money for the Humane Society of Missouri, which helps more than 90,000 abused and neglected animals annually…

Restaurateurs help Hurricane Katrina victims

August 22, 2006

WASHINGTON — On Aug. 29, the National Restaurant Association, the Food Network and American Express will hold "Share Our Strength's Restaurants for Relief 2,…

Hamburgers: Not just for drive-thrus anymore

The fast-casual burger concept hasn't exactly taken off like the bakery café segment, but the American tradition may be set to grow.

Major franchise group signs Panera agreement in Arizona

August 21, 2006

RICHMOND HEIGHTS, Mo. — Panera Bread announced a new agreement with Dennis and Shane Hitzeman and Tom McDonald to develop bakery cafés in the south Phoenix…

Rubio's hires former Pepsi exec as CEO

August 21, 2006

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill announced the appointment of Daniel E. Pittard to the positions of president and chief executive officer. …

Cousins Subs rolls out national gift-card program

August 21, 2006

PORTLAND, Ore. — Chockstone Inc. announced that Cousins Subs will implement Chockstone's gift card and stored-value technology in all of its 160 locations. …

Starbucks to sell books

August 20, 2006

Chicago Tribune: In May, Hyperion announced at the annual Book Expo America convention in Washington that it would add a new novel by Mitch Albom to its list.

Café Express introduces two salads

August 20, 2006

HOUSTON —Café Express has rolled out two new salads: the Crispy Chicken Chop House Salad and the Grilled Chicken Chop House Salad.   Each salad is comprised…

CKE Restaurants hires new executives

August 20, 2006

CARPINTERIA, Calif. — CKE Restaurants announced the hiring of two executives.     The company said E. Michael Murphy has been appointed to the role of general…

Charley's Grilled Subs introduces Chipotle Sub

August 20, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Charley's Grilled Subs, a fast-casual sandwich chain, has introduced the Chipotle Sub. Made to order, the sandwich combines grilled chicken…

Tijuana Flats expands in Pittsburgh

August 20, 2006

Pittsburgh Business Journal: Franchisee Tom Flanagan will open five Tijuana Flats locations throughout the Pittsburgh metro area and one in Butler County.

Raving Brands eyes Baltimore real estate

August 18, 2006

Baltimore Business Journal: Raving Brands, the parent of several fast-casual concepts such as Moe's Southwest Grill and Shane's Rib Shack, will be developing…

Bruegger's Enterprises reports strong Q2

August 17, 2006

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Bruegger's Enterprises Inc. reported a strong second quarter.   The company said comps increased 5.8 percent at company locations and 3.…

Mexican Restaurants acquires Houston-based fresh-Mex concept

August 17, 2006

HOUSTON — Mexican Restaurants Inc. has acquired Mission Burritos, a two-unit Houston-based restaurant company, and related assets, for $725,000 in cash. The…

Ecolab receives 'Black Pearl Award' for food safety excellence

August 17, 2006

CALGARY, Alberta — Ecolab Inc. is the 2006 recipient of the prestigious Black Pearl Award of Corporate Excellence in Food Safety and Quality.   Presented to…

Fazoli's exec named Firehouse Subs marketing director

August 17, 2006

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Firehouse Subs appointed Douglas Reifschneider to the post of marketing director in July.   Reifschneider's restaurant marketing…

Qdoba opens first Oklahoma City location

August 17, 2006

DENVER — Qdoba Mexican Grill opened its first Oklahoma City location Aug. 1.   DCW Investments signed an agreement for the Oklahoma City area in Sept. 2005.